Keenan-Reuben murder: All accused get life sentence
The 4 men accused in the murder case of Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandez were convicted and sentenced to life in jail by a special women's court. The two had been murdered in 2011 while defending their female friend from a group of harassers. The families of the deceased hailed the decision and said that justice had been finally served.
Reuben-Keenan murder case: The incident
On 20 October 2011, Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandez got embroiled in a scuffle with 4 men in Amboli in Andheri. They were with their female friends when a man began harassing them. Reuben-Keenan's efforts to stop the eve-teasing ended up in the duo getting stabbed by 4 men. While Keenan died the same day, Reuben died after 10 days succumbing to his injuries.
Unfortunate turn of events
Jeetendra Rana who had made a pass at the girls with Reuben-Keenan had been told off by the boys. He had left the site, only to return with a gang of 4, armed with choppers and had stabbed Reuben and Keenan.
Charges framed against the 4 accused
Charges were framed against the 4 accused in the Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandez murder case in a local court. The accused had been charged with murder, conspiracy and molestation charges. The case had been transferred to the fast-track court in Sewri in March 2012 after there was a huge public outcry. The trial was scheduled to begin in November.
Reuben-Keenan get honoured with a bravery award
The duo- Keenan and Reuben were posthumously venerated with Godfrey Phillips Bravery Zone Award for standing up against eve-teasing.
Reuben-Keenan case moved to special women’s court
The trial was moved to special women's court- the court that tries cases of crimes against women. The trial would see testimonies of 25 witnesses including five eyewitnesses, which included the 2 female friends of the deceased. The four accused – Jitendra Rana, Sunil Bodh, Satish Dulhaj and Dipak Tival who were arrested a day after the murder had been in jail ever since.
